Clothing Direct News

So many of us spend most of our working lives being sedentary – Every. Single. Day. From the commute to work in the morning – spent sitting in our car or on public transport, to sitting behind our desk, to commuting home again on the train or in our cars before finally plonking ourselves down on the couch in front of the tv and then jumping into bed. Not a lot of time spent being active, is there?

While it is important to stay active while working a desk job, sometimes it’s hard to motivate ourselves when our days seem to drag on forever. Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to all sorts of health problems – including obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression. The World Health Organisation advises that engaging in regular physical activity – specifically 150 minutes spread throughout the week – can help reduce your risk of being overweight or obese.

We’ve put together four ways that you can stay active while working in an office, so you can rack up 150 minutes each week!

 

1. Join a gym

*Cue internal groaning* Ok, ok we know – joining the gym usually only seems like a good idea when we want to make a new year’s resolution, or our pants feel a little bit tight, but joining a gym can actually be fun! Hear us out – signing up for a gym membership doesn’t always mean you have to go to walk aimlessly on a treadmill for hours, or to pump weights next to body builders (but hey, if that’s your cup of tea – go for it!) There are plenty of different options depending on which gym you sign up for, including group exercise classes, swimming, meditation, yoga, reformer pilates and so much more.

If you find a gym you like, you can also talk to the staff about working one on one or in a small group to do some personal training, where you will be able to work with a trainer who targets your specific needs, provide dietary advice and can help answer any questions you have.

If you’d rather give a presentation to a room full of serious board members than walk through the doors of a gym, try signing up with a friend or partner to make you feel a bit more comfortable.

 

2. Invest in a fit ball

Fit ball? More like SIT BALL! Investing in a fit ball for your desk instead of a normal office chair is a small way to keep your body active without you even realising and encourages something called “active sitting”. Sitting on a fit ball for up to 20 minutes a day can help to activate your core, improve your posture and increase your energy expenditure due to the ball prompting frequent position shifts.

However, while using these balls in place of an office chair can promote active sitting, experts warn against using a fit ball full time in the office. Body Smart Health Solutions advise that our postural muscles fatigue quickly, and most people have a maximum of up to 20 minutes before these muscles get too challenged. Once they are fatigued, many of us tend to slouch or recruit larger muscle groups for postural stability which can lead to dysfunctional muscle recruitment patterns being established. So while a fit ball is great for engaging different muscle groups, remember that it shouldn’t be a permanent alternative for a good office chair.

 

3. Walking meetings

In your Monday morning team meeting, why don’t you try taking it outside? Departmental brainstorming? Hit the pavement! For many corporate jobs (depending on your role) your day can often be moving from one desk to another as you shuffle between meetings. The next time you have a meeting, why not go for a walk and have it outside? Walking meetings are becoming increasingly popular within corporate environments, as they promote activity while still being productive at work. Besides this, the fresh air can sometimes spark some new ideas instead of the stale office air, as studies show that walking increases creative output by up to 60%.

It is important to note that if you are going to run a walking meeting, you will need to give your staff the heads up. There would be nothing worse than being told you have to walk around in 6-inch heels on a small outdoor trail, or not bringing a warm enough jacket on a windy day! Additionally, it pays to have an agenda written up beforehand, so you know exactly what you need to discuss during the meeting, and a plan on how you are going to take notes if needed. A great way is to take voice memos, or even record the whole session so you can listen back later.

 

4. Desk stretches and exercise breaks

A study done by Fitness Coach Nicole Crawford talks to the fact that even for desk workers who are doing an hour of exercise a day, this isn’t enough when the rest of your day is spent sitting at a desk, not moving. Depending on your job, it might not be fully feasible to get up every half an hour, but Nicole recommends that every 30 minutes of sitting needs to be combatted with 5 minutes of standing. Standing and stretching can be a better way to go too, as it allows you to stretch your muscles and shake out any tension you’ve been holding.

If you work with a small team, perhaps introducing a morning and afternoon 5-minute stretch can be a fun activity that you can all do together. It might feel a bit silly at first, but we promise the more frequently you do it, the better you’ll feel! You can also do other small exercises at work, such as leg raises at your desk, squats in the kitchen while waiting for the kettle to boil, calf raises up the stairs and choosing to take the stairs over the lift where you can – even if it’s only a few floors!

We spoke to Owner and Founder of Aptitude Fitness Centre, Sophie Froidevaux, about how to stay active at work and she has kindly shared her top tips:

Park further away from your office or train station so you can get some steps in to start the day.

If you have to take a long phone call, get up and walk around.

Utilise things such as stand-up desks, fit balls, moving meetings outside, or taking the stairs over the lift.

Get outside on your lunch break and get those steps up!

Take team meetings and team building events and make them physical or set up a step challenge in the office.

Set goals so you have something to work towards.

Keep exercise fun and enjoyable so you look forward to doing it.

We asked Sophie if she had any other advice for office workers. “Get a gym buddy and just go – you’ll never look back and will hold each other accountable. Gyms aren’t as intimidating as you think and if you are unfit – perfect. You’ll be exactly where you need to be.”

Sometimes it may seem tough to stay active while working a desk job, but while sedentary behaviour can soon become an unwanted pattern, it can just as easily be replaced by healthier, more active habits!

The average person spends up to a third of their life at work. This means that they probably see more of their co-workers than they do their own families. Most companies are often too preoccupied with putting on a happy face for their customers to ensure their employees are genuinely happy in their work and this can negatively affect productivity, work ethic, and social interactions between co-workers. So, wouldn’t it make sense to make the office a home away from home, full of people, who feel free to speak their mind and be more willing to contribute to the growth and innovation of the company?

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel in terms of your current office culture. If anything, a 180-degree switch-up would probably leave more people unsettled. Speak with your employees, find out what is working and look to enhance those aspects with some small changes. You’ll be amazed at the change you’ll see in your employees’ work ethic and productivity.

 

Here are five things that promote a positive office culture:

 

Think of your employees’ health

Unsurprisingly, it is pretty difficult for an unhealthy employee to contribute to a positive workplace culture. Employee wellness – physical, mental, emotional – has had a big role to play in recent years, so much so that it is unimaginable for a company to not have even a first aid kit on the premises, if not some special rates with a medical aid as part of the employees’ benefits. While not at the cost of the organisation’s professionalism, a company should encourage a healthy amount of self-care. For example, supply your employees with information on how to deal with anxiety or tricks for getting a full night’s sleep. Some organisations even go so far as to allow for employees to take the odd five-minute break to stretch their legs or get in a quick workout.

 

Give your employees a purpose

Meaning and purpose do more to inspire commitment and innovation in a working environment than almost any other factor. Now, more than ever, a great deal of job satisfaction hinges upon a work culture that is built around core values that are attractive to employees and which are expressed in a clear and compelling mission statement. A clear idea of how an employee’s efforts can make a positive impact on the organisation and its clients is guaranteed to motivate them to go the extra mile. When goals are positively reinforced by recognising employees’ achievements, they can have a noticeably positive impact on the attitudes of your colleagues.

 

Provide clear goals and incentives

Aside from the company’s overall mission statement and vision, a clear set of achievable goals for each team within the organisation can give individual employees a better idea of their priorities and where they can innovate and improve on already existing processes. These measurable performance indicators, along with a transparent policy on how to progress or be promoted within the organisation, will also ensure that all employees are treated equally and can benefit from healthy competition, which breeds new ideas and closer cooperation within the different teams or departments.

 

Encourage positive social connections

When it comes to forging healthy workplace connections, the right attitude is gratitude, so congratulate your employees on a job well done or thank them for going above and beyond on a project. Any work environment can get rushed and tensions can run high; it’s important to check those heated feelings before communicating with your colleagues, especially when you are called to give constructive criticism (“constructive” being the operative word). To really create an environment of comradery amongst your employees and team members, treat your colleagues to the occasional lunch, or do something special on a national celebration. Your company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy could include a work day once a year or once a month, on which colleagues commit to an act of community service.

 

Empower social initiators

Some people have a natural talent for bringing out the best in people, whether they are cheering up someone in a bad space or encouraging another person to pull out all the stops in a project. These are individuals, who best embody the ideals of your company’s mission statement. Identify them and encourage these employees to keep their colleagues feeling motivated and included.

 

Never underestimate the impact of a positive office culture. A warm, friendly and overall positive work environment can create a powerful sense of loyalty and ownership in your employees, driving them to dedicate more time and effort to the goals of the business. An effective leader recognises the importance of rewarding hard work by his or her employees by creating an environment where progress is celebrated, and teamwork grows innovation.

Valentine’s Day, or at least its origins, has been a long debated topic for a while now. There is no clear-cut documentation stating that the 14^th of Feb shall here forth be declared the day of love, no questions asked. Valentine’s traditions as we know them are filled with lavish dinners for two, flowers, chocolates and cute cuddly stuffed animals. But, did you know the origins of the day of love are a little darker than the light-hearted, fluffy holiday we celebrate now? Read on below for a few, blow-by-blow accounts on how Valentine’s Day has been celebrated through the ages.

Meanwhile, Back In The Roman Empire…

During the age of the Roman Empire, the time frame that Valentines Day falls on now used to be quite a different celebration indeed. From the 13^th to the 15^th of February, the Romans would celebrate the festival of Lupercalia. In this pagan festival, the guys would hit on the girls by quite literally hitting them. You see, this festival saw the young men of Rome strip naked and give an animal sacrifice to the Gods above. They would then take a whip and beat the young women of the village in hopes of making them more fertile. Whilst this may sound barbaric to the feminist movement of today, young woman would actually line up, hoping for their bodies to be blessed with virtue through this questionable practice. The next time you want to complain about where your date takes you for Valentine’s dinner, count your lucky stars he isn’t taking you down to the town Lupercalia fest.

The Love Struck Bard

As time passed, so the holiday became sweeter, thanks to the likes of literature from Chaucer and Shakespeare. The men romanticized love, and as such, the holiday became more PG than the Roman fertility festival. During the middle ages, Valentine’s Day gained mass popularity through Britain and most of Europe, and was celebrated by gifting your loved one with a hand made card.

Valentines Day As We Know IT

It was only in the 19^th century that the holiday began to spread to the new world, with the industrial revolution issuing factory-produced card in mass. 1913 marks the first ever batch of iconic Hallmark Valentine’s Day cards being dispatched in Kansas City, and the rest is history. If you were planning on going all out for your love this Valentine’s Day, why not avoid stripping down to make an animal sacrifice and whipping her into fertility? Rumour has it that both men and woman of today appreciate simpler, less barbaric tokens of love. Ladies, why not help your gent look dapper this Valentine’s by gifting him with an amazing blazer? And gentlemen why not help your lady feel lovely with a beautiful dress? Take a look at the great range of items available for you and your other half at Clothing Direct, and give the gift that will keep on giving this Valentine’s Day!

January is a time of new beginnings for many people. Some find new years resolutions in giving something up; others find theirs in taking on more. So with all the new beginnings in the air, why not turn your working wardrobe around in 2018? Though going back to the bump and grind of the working world isn’t necessarily a joyous occasion for all, it can be exciting if you have a brand new wardrobe to look forward to! Read on below for a few ideas on how you can spruce up your working wear in the new year and feel great whilst doing it.

Add A Pop Of Colour To Your Life

Many of us tend to stick to the safer grey scale wardrobe when it comes to work wear. But one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to spruce up your look on the new year is to add a splash of colour here and there. We’re not suggesting you throw out all of your black, white and grey attire and show up to work in the new year looking like you ran through a rainbow, but why not add a colourful blouse or button up shirt to your look? Colour has an incredible power on the human psyche, and maybe a little splash of happiness is all you need in your professional appearance.

Be Daring And Change It Up Completely

If you’re looking for the ultimate kind of rejuvenation for your wardrobe, why not be daring and change it up completely? If you usually pull together a very casual look, step it up a notch and dress your look up with a blazer. You could go all out and suit up one day a week in the new year! Alternatively, if you’re used to rocking the straight up and down look day in day out, why not drab down a tad? If your profession allows, switch up your button up top for a golf neck tee every Friday. Changing your style in a daring way can really make a big difference to your working wardrobe, so why not give it a try in 2018?

Get Everything You Need For Your Wardrobe New Years Resolutions Today

Revamp your style completely in the new year with the help of Clothing Direct. We have a ton of different professional pieces for you to choose from. Be sure to get the perfect look to transform your style in 2018 today!

What does a decorated war veteran, neurosurgeon, prisoner and schoolgirl all have in common? They all wear uniforms! The uniform has been around for years and years, but have you ever stopped to think just where these pieces of clothing came to be? The history of the uniform is scatted throughout the ages, and Clothing Direct will take you on a trip down memory lane below so read on!

The First Documented Uniform

To be fair, there is no real ‘first ever uniform’ in history. However, the first know – or suspected – uniforms belonged to those of the Roman legion. Formally established somewhere around 500 B.C. the roman military legion used to wear a basic tunic uniform, which was loosely regulated. This however grew in popularity through the ages, with many countries developing their own colours to wear into battle.

Other Common Uniforms Throughout History

Another highly common uniform, and one of the oldest, is that of school goers. The first documented school uniform in history pertains to the cappa clausa, a kind of robe ordered to be worn by school goers by the archbishop of Canterbury, England in 1222. Although being thought out early on, the school uniform only became a truly common thing in the 16^th century in England.

 

Another common uniform is that of the medical practice. However, did you know that up until the 20^th century, surgeons were not required to wear any kind of uniform at all? Up until this point, doctors would operate wearing no protective gear but a butcher’s apron to cover their own clothes from blood spatters. Yes, that means they’d operate bare handed and unmasked! However, the nurses’ uniform was developed a century prior to doctors. Derived from a nun’s habit, the nursing uniform first began to appear in the early 19^th century. It was only in the late 1970’s that the short sleeve V-neck scrubs that we know today began to emerge.

If You Are In Need Of A Uniform

If you need to get your hands on a uniform fast, the Clothing Direct is here to help! We have all sorts of outfits for various professions including spa tunics and surgical scrubs, to hospitality wear! Take a look at what’s on offer for your profession today.

Fashion is fickle. It is ever changing and often hard to keep up with. However, Clothing Direct has come up with three fashion essentials everyone (men and women alike) cannot go without! Read on below to discover what fashion essentials are waiting for you at our online store right now.

The Blazer

A blazer is a fashion MUST. This timeless piece of clothing can be worn to a high to do business meeting with a great pair of slacks, or over a comfy tee to dress up a look for a night out on the town. A blazer is really something not closet should be without, so take a look at the great pieces available for you from Clothing Direct right here.

The Denim

A good pair of denims is a must have in every ones closet. Think about how often you wear jeans. You can dress them up, dress them down, wear them out, wear them in. Wherever you are, the trusty old pair of denim jeans has its place. Being around for over a hundred years, its easy to see why these are a staple of all wardrobes. Find the perfect pair for you with Clothing Direct right here.

The Tee

The tee shirt is one of the most worn items of clothing around the world. Weather being worn as a statement, or simply as a comfy, round the house piece of clothing, the t-shirt has really come a long way in society over the years. You can wear this item of clothing in a ton of different styles, making it a wardrobe must have for anyone. Take a look at Clothing Direct’s great rage of tees right here.

 

Get These Fashion Essentials Today

Whether you wear these three fashion essentials together, or as individual statement pieces on their own, Clothing Direct cannot see a single cupboard in the world that wouldn’t benefit form this trio. Take a look at our other items available for you now and get yourself looking extra stylish today!

Getting your hands on the corner office is often a term used to describe success within the corporate world. The corner office brings an air of accomplishment with it. Whilst the power seat may not necessarily always be located in the corner, there is a definite pull to getting yourself into that office! Therefore, read on below to discover a few tips on how to work your way up the corporate food chain.

Don’t Be Afraid To Believe In Yourself

In order to gain respect of others, you need to fully believe in the power of you first. Being your own biggest advocate is the first step to take on the road to success. You need to be able to promote yourself positively by mentioning your past achievements and accomplishments from time to time. However, the trick here is to not over do it. It is incredibly easy to over step the line and end up sounding like a pompous know it all. Find the balance and gain the ability to be your own biggest fan.

Put In The Effort

Working harder than your co-workers is another incredibly needed step to take to gain access to the corner office. Be willing to go the extra mile for that project, making yourself invaluable to the company as you do so. Just keep in mind that the amount of work you need to put in in the beginning wont always be as gruelling, and is for a greater reward. Furthermore, the more responsibility you take on, the more likely you will be to get noticed by your superiors, paving your way to the top.

Look The Part For The Corner Office

Another incredibly vital thing to do is to dress for success. if you look like a teenager, no body will take your seriously in the working world. Looking the part goes a long way on promoting you as a candidate for promotion. This is where Clothing Direct comes in. we have a ton of items to help you look the part. From formal men’s wear, to great corporate clothing for women, we have everything you’d need to look like you belong in the seat of power. Take a look at our great formal wear right here and get on your way to success now!

If winter is giving you the cold shoulder and leaving you stuck for outfit options, do not fear, Clothing Direct is here to help you revive your style! If you wish to pout your best foot forward in the office this winter, then take a look below to steal a few style ideas perfect for the colder months ahead.

One For The Ladies

How To Take This Trend

1. Ladies Studio Trench Jacket – starting from $71.92 Buy Now
2. Ladies Open Neck Dress – starting from $127.65 Buy Now
3. Ladies Monotone Woven Scarf – starting from $26.83 Buy Now

 

Team this look up with a pair of sleek tights and formal boots and your formal winter wardrobe is good to go!

Now For The Gents

Gentle men, if you thought we had forgotten about your style needs this winter, the team here at Clothing Direct certainly haven’t! Take a look at the attire below and take your pick from any or all options!

How To Take This Trend

 

1. Mens Slimline Two Button Jacket – starting from $172.05 Buy Now
2. Mens Slimline Pant – starting from $68.45 Buy Now
3. Mens Trend Long Sleeve Shirt – starting from $37.92 Buy Now
4. Mens Leather Reversible Belt – start9ng from $41.63 Buy Now

 

All you need to do to finish of this look is team it up with a pair of brown leather lace-ups and your winter look is ready for the boardroom!

Get It All This Winter With Clothing Direct

If you need more for your formal business attire, do not hesitate to look through the catalogue here at Clothing Direct. We have all sorts of business attire to get you ready for the working world. Furthermore, if you are a proud business owner and wish to get your workers ready for the workplace and looking sharp, not only can you buy our wares in bulk, but also, brand your apparel. Get in touch with the Clothing Direct team today and get ready for winter!

Branded clothing is really one of the best ways to build your brand in the modern business world. The realm of corporate is honestly a dog eat dog jungle out there. Getting your name recognized is a lot harder now days than it once was. Whilst everyone is striving for digital recognition, don’t lose sight of other, simpler ways to build your brand. Branded clothing is one of these methods. Read on below to discover how branded clothing items can help you stand out in the business world.

Give Your Audience A Gentle Reminder

Whether you are targeting potential investors, fellow businesses in a B2B attempt, or merely want to get the general public talking about your company, a branded piece of clothing is a great way to spread your word. One of the biggest benefits of branded apparel is that it is a constant subconscious reminder of your company. If you host a golf day and send your invitees home with a cap with your logo on it, the next time they take on the greens wearing that cap, they will remember your company. Furthermore, whomever they choose to tee off with that day with be exposed to your brand as well.

A Uniform Says A Thousand Words

Another great advantage of branded clothing is the fact that it can take your company up that extra professional notch. Walking into a business where your employees are kitted out in the same button up shirt can really send the impression of professionalism to your visitors. This will impress any visitor your company hosts and make you stand out against competitors.

People Like Free Things

At the end of the day, you need to remember that people love free things. Corporate gifts can really go a long way if you choose to represent your company through the right memorabilia. Pens are great, however, they are generic. It is hard for someone to notice that name on your ball point across the office. However, a t-shirt with your company logo emblazoned across the breast is certainly a hard reminder to miss. People appreciate corporate gifts and give aways; therefore, make yours stand out against the rest.

Find Branded Clothing For Your Business Today

Finding branded clothing isn’t difficult at all, if you know where to look. Luckily, Clothing Direct can be your one stop branding shop. Not only will we brand your apparel for you, but we can also provide you with the clothing items you wish to brand! Take a look at our great options today and start getting your business spoken about.

A friend of mine recently asked “how can I make my clothing last longer”.  To be honest, her question took me by surprise, but when I thought about it a little more, it made a lot of sense.

 

Besides the fact that the beginning of the year traditionally has a way of making all of us take a closer look at how we are spending our hard earned dollars, there are a number of other reasons that people look for ways to make their clothing last longer.

 

You may have paid more than usual for an item of clothing you just could not resist, or the clothing may have some sort of sentimental value. For example, if you ran your first marathon, the T-shirt you were given at the event will mean a whole lot to you and you’ll want it to last.  If you wear a uniform for work, you’ll want to keep the uniform looking good for as long as possible.

 

So how do you go about ensuring your clothing looks good for long periods of time?

 

Our first piece of advice is somewhat tongue in cheek, but also a fair consideration:

 

1. Monitor your weight. Changes in your body shape will affect the way that your clothes look on you.
2. Read the labels. Believe it or not, the labels on your clothing are not added just to irritate you.  Before you cut them off, check them to see what is recommended or best to avoid.  Check out a handy list of label symbols and what they mean at: www.textileaffairs.com/lguide.htm.
3. Take care with your laundry, ensure that you:
   • Separate your colours effectively
   • Use the correct amounts of detergent and softener
   • Take care when using a tumble dryer
   • Do not leave laundry wet or damp (besides the offensive smell, it’s just not great for the fabric)
   • If hanging your washing out to dry, ensure you hang your garments inside-out. This will prevent the sun faded look.
4. Be very careful when ironing your clothes.
   • It can be tempting to set the iron very hot as it is quicker and easier to get your result, but heat is damaging. Sort your ironing pile according to fabric type. Start ironing the silks and synthetics (low heat) then move on to wool (medium heat) and finally cottons and linens (high heat).
   • Placing foil under your ironing board cover will halve your ironing time
   • To prevent those nasty stains that can be spewed out by your iron, make sure you use only distilled water and not water direct from the tap.
   • Like we suggested above about hanging your washing in the sun inside-out, we also recommend ironing dark and coloured garments inside-out.
   • Garments with embroidered designs should be ironed over a towel (with the design element facing the towel) to avoid flattening the design.
5. Hang up, fold and put clothing away as soon as possible.
6. Try your best to prevent stains, but if you do find some delicious pasta sauce has splashed onto your favorite shirt, make sure not to allow the stain to set. If nothing else is available, treat it with some water.  We’ll expand on this in a future blog.

 

Bonus tip (which will not make your clothing last longer, but will make it feel fresher) is to add a little lavender oil to water in a spray bottle.  Spray onto clothing when ironing.

 

We hope these tips will help you make your clothes last a little longer.  If you have some more tips to add, please drop us a comment below.